by Joshua Wilson
@jjwil325
There are legitimate accusations that UAB Football could cease to exist in the future. But this post will not be about who is leading the charge to end UAB Football or how incredibly frustrating the Alabama Board of Trustees has made it for my Blazers. Instead, this post is a celebration of what the football program has meant to me and my UAB family.
Past:
When it was time to apply for colleges, I looked at programs such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), University of Alabama, University of South Alabama (USA) , Jacksonville State, Jefferson State, out-of-state colleges and more. I grew up in the south and I wanted to play in the marching band. My heart was set on UAB or USA. At the time USA did not have a football team - when I learned, my decision became easier - I would be a Blazer.
I'll never forget the day I truly became a Blazer. It was the first week of band camp. I wore my favorite Auburn hat to block the heat from those long practices in the sun. At the end of practice we would always huddle up. The band director called out, "U A B" and the band responded, "Blazers. Let's Go!" But one of the band directors had an announcement, we called him Doc. He announced at the end of practice that any apparel not associated with UAB should not be worn at practices. I didn't even think about my actions offending those around me.
I looked around and there were only a few of us that sported non-UAB apparell, I did what I hope the other folks did. After dismissal I marched straight to my car, threw the hat in the trunk and never wore that hat around practice again, haha.
Present:
This upcoming weekend one of the "four horsemen" is getting married. We dubbed ourselves the four horsemen because of our dedication to UAB Bands and UAB Athletics. I would have never met these men if it weren't for UAB Athletics. I can't help but think without UAB Football this bond and friendship would not exist.
Anyone who knows me understands that UAB Football is my number 1 college team. It's a long distance to the number 2 team. The way I see it, I spent thousands of dollars at UAB. Therefore, if I'm going to cheer any team to success it will be UAB Football followed by my Ball State Cardinals.
I'm distraught but not broken as I learn more and more about the very credible rumors surrounding UAB Football. I, like many others, invested more than enough money into the program and I want to see football inspire future generations of Blazers! At UAB I had an amazing experience and formed amazing bonds. Blazers, I hope that you join me in sharing your stories.
This is one of many posts and letters that will be sent to administrators at UAB. Every voice is one to be heard. If we bond now through the strength of this Blazernation I truly believe nothing is impossible.
Here's how we can help:
1) Share your story/ your voice
2) Share other's stories and information via social media and use hashtags (#saveUABfootball #FreeUAB #UABFootball)
3) Write a Letter to your elected officials/ UAB administration/ Alabama Board of Trustees (http://www.uab.edu/boardliaison/bd-member-contact-info)
4) Sign the petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/continue-uab-football
5) Donate to UAB Alumni Society
So #FreeUAB and Go Blazers.
Joshua Wilson
c/o 2010
By Joshua Wilson
@jjwil325
This April I went to Association for Colleges and Unions International national conference with my work colleagues representing the University of a Florida and found the conference to be excellent. I enjoyed the professional development, education sessions and the socials. I had not thought about it but I grew up in the college union at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. It was certainly one of my favorite places to spend time for orientation, grab food, spend time with friends, and other involvement opportunities.
At ACUI I bumped into so many colleagues from my past that I certainly felt right at home. Enough so that I signed up for a Battle of the Regions contest where no one else was willing for Region 3...Slam Poetry it would be. Check out the poem I wrote in an hours time:
"Smoked filled eyes and lungs and clothes.
There was laughter and friends and university branded chairs, pull-up tents, over-filled parking lots, and it was one hell of a hot day. Damn, it was only morning.
The Greeks were on their porches and sitting on their roofs. I like to think their was sweet tea in those Red Solo Cups - Toby Keith did write a song about it.
One bead. A thousand beads. In the south you sweat in the sun and in the shade. Not that the heat could deter the mission on this day of those southern gentlemen and sweet southern ladies.
Corn hole and beer. Barbeque and chips - and man would momma hit me on the head if I didn't mention sweet tea. In our world sweet tea is deep in our veins.
It's one of the many connections to a past that brought us all together.
Remembrances of laughter and friendship, heartbreak, and loss. It was all for the southern good - friends, family.
That sun beat and beat, I wipe the endless sweat from my forehead. I knew from the first big hit that fall had arrived. In the stadium we ooooggghh and ahhhh in one accord. And sang and cheered and sweat.
We lost that game and it mattered. Football matters in the south. This loss would be felt for days. But with it we are still one.
There is sweet tea in our veins." - by Joshua Wilson
I certainly didn't win the slam contest. There was not enough slam in this poem but it certainly is worth sharing with you.
